The mystery deepens in the case of the missing 2-year-old, who was found dead near the family home after disappearing while his father slept

A TODDLER has been found dead near his family’s home after disappearing while his father slept – but his disappearance is mysterious.

Two-year-old Ares Muse was found dead on September 12, just hours after he allegedly disappeared from his home in the middle of the night.

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Ares was last seen at his home on tribal land around 1:30 a.m. Monday, according to Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthouse Police.

The boy is believed to have fled the home in Okemah, Oklahoma between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. Monday morning.

The boy’s father, Nikita, claims that Ares crawled into bed with his parents.

But when they woke up, the boy was nowhere to be found.

A multi-agency search lasted over 12 hours as authorities attempted to locate the boy.

Ares’ body was found around 6 p.m. Monday night, more than half a mile from his home.

A cause of death was not immediately clear.

According to KTUL, over 20 agencies helped locate the boy.

An official investigation is underway, but authorities have not yet ruled it a criminal.

The boy’s family is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement, according to Jason Salsman, a spokesman for the Muscogee Nation.

‘PRIDE AND JOY’

Salsman also said during a news conference that Ares reportedly managed to pick three different locks to escape the house.

“We talked all day about wanting a good result and we didn’t get that,” Salsman said.

“It’s unfortunate but that doesn’t take away from our hearts and how we need to be there in our hearts and minds for this family.”

The US Sun has contacted Salsman for more information.

Eric Foster of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the agencies involved came from the tribal, local, state and federal levels.

“We hate being able to deliver news like this, it’s very unfortunate. But we’re coming together,” Foster said.

“And we’ve had a lot of citizens wanting to come forward as well, and that’s just Oklahoma, and we’re proud to be a part of that.”

Ares’ grandmother spoke to KOCO 5 and told the outlet that the boy is “the pride and joy of the family.”

The grandmother added that he loved helping his father and coloring Easter eggs.

She shared a photo of Ares being held by his father on the day he was born.

Other highlights of the boy’s life included his first bath and first “big boy bed,” as she described to the outlet.

“ARES WAS A SWEET BOY”

A GoFundMe has been started to support the family during this time.

Brandi Gaither, who claims to be the boy’s grandmother, organized the fundraiser and set a goal of $5,000.

More than $1,200 has already been raised.

“I am asking for help for the family with funeral expenses and whatever assistance they may need,” the description reads.

“Ares was a sweet boy. Shortly before his 3rd birthday.

“He loved his mother, father and sister very much and was his aunt’s second son.

“The hole left in all our hearts will never be filled.”